You can be a part of something important. Researchers are looking for ordinary Americans to be on the front lines of public health in the U.S. Recently, a group of cancer experts in partnership with the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups (www.CancerTrialsHelp.org) identified 10 high-priority colorectal clinical studies that address important research opportunities and merit support for rapid completion. Combined, these 10 large studies will need to enroll more than 17,500 people. Nine trials will explore new colorectal cancer treatments and one is a large colo-rectal prevention trial designed to enroll healthy individuals. Patients and caregivers interested in participating in these important trials can find information through www.CancerTrialsHelp.org. A convenient resource called QuickLink has been built on this Web site to help learn more about these major colorectal cancer clinical trials and to easily determine if you are eligible for enrollment. "Clinical trials are not just a vital source of information, they can be of great value to the individuals who participate in them," said Robert L. Comis, M.D., president of the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups. "A common misperception that some patients receive placebo has prevented some people from participating in clinical trials." Placebos (also called "sugar pills") are rarely used in cancer clinical trials and are never used in place of treatment. There are nearly 270 colorectal cancer studies currently available for patients in the U.S., out of over 4,500 cancer trials of all types. Now, QuickLink provides information on 10 of the largest colorectal trials currently available, along with links to patient support services. TrialCheck® offers a fast and easy way for people to find out if they may be eligible to participate in these and other trials. Search results are displayed by proximity to the user's zip code, making it easy to find clinical trials close to home. TrialCheck is the most frequently updated searchable database of cancer clinical trials in the U.S. Clinical trial participants stand to personally benefit as well. Patients who join cancer clinical trials are given the best available treatment or a new treatment that, based on early clinical data, could be an improvement over the current standard therapy. In addition, there are many trials available for prevention, screening and early detection of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps. Participants in clinical trials are vital in the fight against cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be almost 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in the U.S. in 2006. Many of these patients may be eligible to participate in these clinical trials as part of their treatment, and are encouraged to learn more and talk to their doctor. Cancer clinical trials are designed to improve upon "best available therapies" while protecting the rights and welfare of participants.